“You’ve got to be in the public and listen, that’s what I plan on doing,” said Gay.

Gay’s on the board currently after the governor appointed him to serve out a term. This time, voters will choose if he keeps the post. His platform is comprehensive.

“Make sure we keep affordable rates, reliable service and then accountability from the board to the senior managers and OPPD,” said Gay.

The other name on the ballot is Krystle Craig.

“I believe in the power of clean energy, I believe we can make a difference for the future generations by omitting out-of-date power sources,” said Craig.

Craig’s platform is renewable energy.

“The sun always shines, the wind always blows. Right now, wind is the absolute cheapest form of energy,” said Craig.

“We have to balance it all with what I mentioned earlier: affordability and reliability. Those are key, and that's what ratepayers have said they're interested in,” said Gay.

For Gay, who spent many years in elected office, he has a clear litmus test for decision making.

“What would my neighbor say if I had to explain a vote or why I’m doing something? Can I explain it to my neighbors and friends why I did that in a reasonable way?” said Gay.

Craig said no matter the public pulse, it’s time to get rid of OPPD’s pollution.

“Clean water, clean air, clean earth, we all need it. Right now we're OK, but it's the future generations, my children, your children, your children's children that are going to have to clean up the mess that we've made,” said Craig.